DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Volusia County Sheriff-elect rolled out his plans for improving the county and the department starting Jan. 1.
"We're only as good as the community we serve," said Sheriff-elect Mike Chitwood.
The soon-to-be sheriff emphasized on ways to keep residents and his staff happy during Thursday's news conference.
"The change is going to only be for the better," he said.
Chitwood outlined a five-point pledge for his transition as Volusia County sheriff:
-Pledge to Servant Leadership
-Pledge to Community Engagement
-Pledge to Diversity
-Pledge to Technology
-Pledge for Accountability-based Policing
"I will not be successful without the folks standing right here," Chitwood said.
"The folks standing right here" included his new right-hand man, Daytona Beach Lieutenant John Creamer who'll be serving as his deputy chief.
Creamer then introduced Team Green 17, an internal plan to build up the department that will then affect their work on the streets.
"If you're a criminal in this county, we're coming after you with boundless energy and boundless focus," Creamer said.
The sheriff-elect said he's also committed to pay more for those who will soon be working for him.
"We are going to do our damnedest day in and day out to make sure that the men and women who go out on the streets to keep us safe are rewarded justly," Chitwood said.